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TO: The Honorable Members of DATE: November 7, 1985 FILE: the Board of County Commissioners THROUGH: Michael Wright, County Administrator FROM: James W. Davis, P.E06 Public Works Director DESCRIPTIONS AND CONDITIONS SUBJECT: Request from Indian River Farms Water Control District to Pump From County Marl Pits for Irrigation and Citrus Freeze Protection REFERENCES: Michael O'Haire to Michael Wright dated The County has received a letter from the Indian River Farms Water Control District requesting the County to allow the pumping of the County marl pits for irrigation and citrus freeze protection. On Sept. 12, 1985, the County Public Works Director attended a meeting of the IRFWCD Board of Directors to discuss this issue. Basically, the discussion at that meeting resulted in the following proposal: 1) The Drainage District would supply a dragline and operator prior to the winter season to excavate shell/marl at the County's marl pit (4th Street at Lateral "A" Canal). This would supplement the County's dragline so that a sufficient stockpile of material is mined prior to the winter season. During the winter months (December -March), the County would cease de -watering the pit so that the water level could rise. If a freeze is predicted, the Drainage District would be authorized to pump out of the pit to surcharge the canal system, thus allowing citrus growers a good reservoir for freeze protection pumping. 2) If the County ceases mining or use of the pits and land, the Drainage District would purchase or lease the property from the County for further use. ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS The Public Works Division is of the opinion that the proposal could be R mutually beneficial to the County and Drainage District. The benefits to the County include: 1) The County's dragline could be taken out of operation in the winter months for preventive maintenance and repairs. It could also be used for other projects at that time. --A fuel savings could probably be realized. 2) The mined material would have a chance to dry when stockpiled. Also, the County would not have to operate the dewatering pump. 3) The County would not be placed in a future liability position by owning a borrow pit if the land were sold to the Drainage Dis- trict when mining is complete. Present disadvantages may include: 1) County liability if the Drainage Districts operator or equipment were injured while mining the County -pit in the Fall. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Drainage District and County proceed to draft an agreement as requested by Michael O'Haire. This agreement would be brought before the Board of County Commissioners for approval. 41 BOOK FAJE SQ7 V 2 0 1985